I’m horrified that Trump is threatening to cut vaccine funding
RFK Jr. to defund global vaccine group, citing safety concerns
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said funding is halted for an organization that offers free vaccines for meningitis, malaria, and other diseases.
unbranded – Newsworthy
It was recently announced that the Trump administration was going to halt all investments in Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
Since 2000, Gavi has helped immunize more than 1 billion children and prevent over 17 million deaths. They have a plan to immunize the next billion children in half the time and at an even lower cost per child. This is the kind of success story we should be building on, not taking away from. Just last year, the U.S. Congress helped secure a five-year pledge for Gavi from the U.S. I was deeply proud of that pledge, and how Congress secured it in a bipartisan way, as they always have for Gavi.
I am horrified that the administration is now threatening to pull out our support from Gavi. We’ve learned all too well recently that when people don’t have access to vaccines, especially children, preventable but deadly diseases can spread like wildfire.
And this goes for other humanitarian programs supported by U.S. foreign aid. Providing children with access to education, helping families get health care and fighting diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria and HIV benefits everyone. Cutting them off hurts us all.
The State Department should reinstate terminated programs, including critical humanitarian and development programs that focus on TB, HIV, malaria, nutrition, maternal and child survival, education and more.
This is not the time for silence. Congress must act now.
Sylvia Lewis
Rochester
Without libraries, education will suffer
I am writing with grave concerns regarding the continued deluge of federal funding cuts, specifically federal support to libraries, through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). This program is vital for every community in Michigan as libraries advance literacy, school success and workforce development for millions.
The LSTA is the only dedicated source of federal funding for libraries. Each state, including Michigan, relies on annual LSTA allocations to address local needs — such as supporting jobseekers with career training, connecting small businesses and entrepreneurs to resources, expanding reading and early literacy programs and ensuring internet access and digital skills classes for all. In Michigan alone, federal funds are distributed to over 400 library institutions directly supporting interlibrary loan services, digital resources and community programming.
Ensuring the success of our libraries is an investment in every American’s opportunity to learn, thrive and contribute to our communities.
John Weiss
Ypsilanti
Supporting your neighbors is key
Having recently graduated from seminary after a long career as a pastor, I now serve as a healthcare chaplain. A central question in my theological studies was, “Who is my neighbor?” This profound teaching is central to my faith. I want to ask that question of all of us: Who is our neighbor?
I’m a residen of Downriver. More than 26% of Michigan’s population is enrolled in Medicaid, and 22% in Medicare. If something were to harm our Downriver neighbors who rely on this program, the heart of Downriver would move us to protect them.
On July 3, the U.S. Senate passed new legislation. Regardless of your personal feelings, I encourage you to watch out for our neighbors. Some may celebrate, while others struggle. I ask that we continually ask, “Who is our neighbor?” To those who celebrate, remember those who mourn, and to those who mourn, may we find peace and resources.
If you are concerned about healthcare, reach out to your leaders. For those who believe in contributing to the greater good, remember our shared humanity. I am here to listen and support, and I ask that you support one another, regardless of how this legislation affects your life.
Joanna Whaley
Lincoln Park
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